I have been using Linux in various forms for quite a few years but have only just managed to forsake Windows completely very recently. I am new to Wine but have managed to get Family Historian V3.1.2 running.

First installed was version 2.0.7 followed by v3.1.1 upgrade and then v3.1.2 upgrade, unfortunately, I can't install the v4.0.2 upgrade. When trying to do so, right clicking on the file, selecting “Open with” then “Wine Windows Program Loader” there are a couple of seconds of disc activity then nothing happens.

I have tried posting on the Wine forum but with no luck. I now think it may be a Mint rather than a Wine problem.

I had seen the fix before, but it involves the installation of a version 4 demo disc, installing it onto Windows and copying files and registry entries to Linux. Unfortunately, although the demo disc is still available, the installation key is not. I must admit I don't know if the disc will install without the key. The Family Historian website is a little vague on the matter. They say:

"This installation program is only for use by customers who already have a key for the version 4 trial (download) version, but no longer have a copy of the installation program."

I spent all day yesterday (I'm retired) testing it and importing my files. At first I was very impressed but by the end of the day I was missing some of the features in Family Historian... even in version 3.1.2.

I will keep an eye on Gramps for the future, but for now I'm sticking to Wine and FH.

I am now in a position to answer my own question. When I asked the question, I had Wine version 1.6 installed. Since then, Wine updated itself to 1.7 and now Family Historian 4.0.2 update installs perfectly.